Where my journey began
Sometimes the hardest moments in our lives become the ones that set us free.
My turning point did not come from a big decision. It came from my body.
After years of chronic stress, I suddenly began having allergic reactions, and no one could find the cause. It was as if something inside me was finally asking to be heard.
For over 25 years, I had built a career across audit, technology, cyber security and risk assurance. I was the capable one, the one others turned to. From the outside, things looked like they were going well.
Inside, I felt empty, uninspired and deflated. I had lost my connection with myself and with my family. And sadly, it was my family who felt my frustration the most.
"Sometimes it only takes one person to open a door. And sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is walk through it."
One small change at a time
Coming home to who I had always been
Then a manager took the time to talk with me, and helped me reach out to our Employee Assistance Programme for support. So I began, one small change at a time. I changed my lifestyle. I started studying psychology and counselling, because I wanted to help others find their way too. That path led me to the International Coaching Institute, and to training as a coach.
And as I healed, something beautiful happened. I began to discover what I was truly capable of.
I went from feeling stressed, empty and uninspired to writing books, creating online courses, leading the Mental Health Network at the organisation I worked for, and speaking publicly.
Not because I became someone new, but because I finally came home to who I had always been.
Why I do this work
For the parent who holds everything together
I share my story because I know how easy it is to keep going for everyone else and forget about yourself along the way. When you are balancing a career and a family, there rarely seems to be a moment to stop and ask how you are really doing.
My coaching offers you that moment. A calm and supportive space to pause, understand what sits beneath the overwhelm, and gently reconnect with who you are, at your pace, with practical steps you can carry into everyday life.
Your turning point does not have to be a crisis. It can be a quiet moment, like this one, when you decide that you matter too.
How I work
I believe coaches create the conditions for healing to take place.
You already have the resources you need within you. As your coach, my role is to help you bring awareness, attention and direction to those resources, so you can feel whole and complete. Every journey is shaped around you, and here is what you can expect when we work together.
A safe space
Confidentiality, respect and empathy sit at the heart of everything I do. You can explore your thoughts and feelings here without judgement.
At your pace
We start where you are. Deeper inner work only comes in once you feel ready and trust has been built between us.
Practical and caring
Each session leaves you with small, practical steps that fit into real family and work life, not another list of things to feel guilty about.
The approaches I draw on
Coaching is forward-focused and is not a replacement for counselling, therapy or medical care. If you need that kind of support, I am happy to help you find the right service. In New Zealand, you can also call or text 1737 at any time to talk with a trained counsellor.
My training and experience
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Diploma in Psychology and Counselling
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Trained Mental Health First Aider
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Professional Coach member, International Coaching Institute
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Advanced training in Meta Dynamics NLP, Inner Work Coaching and Quantum Coaching
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Over 25 years of corporate experience across audit, technology, cyber security and risk assurance
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Lead of the NZ & Pacific Mental Health Network and Global Mental Health Network Co-chair at the organisation I worked for
Also at Altherae
Kalyani Chapa,
Relationship Coach
Kalyani supports people in creating deeper, healthier and more fulfilling connections. Backed by a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling and Mental Health First Aid training, she helps her clients build self-trust, strengthen emotional awareness, and break free from limiting relationship patterns.